424B3 1 october_424b-3.txt TEREX\OCTOBER 424B3 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2) Registration Number 333-74840 PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT (TO PROSPECTUS DATED JANUARY 9, 2002) 64,871 Shares [TEREX LOGO] Common Stock ____________ This prospectus covers 64,871 shares of our common stock which are being issued to certain holders of our Common Stock Appreciation Rights, or Equity Rights, which expired on May 15, 2002. Each holder who accepted our offer of accommodation released us and The Bank of New York (and its predecessor United States Trust Company of New York) from any liability relating to the Equity Rights. Our common stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TEX." The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on September 30, 2002 was $16.90 per share. Investing in our common stock involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page S-4. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the prospectus to which it relates is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The date of this prospectus supplement is October 3, 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS Prospectus Supplement Page ---- FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS...................................................ii PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY...............................................S-1 RISK FACTORS................................................................S-4 Risks Related to this Offering.........................................S-4 Risks Related to Our Business..........................................S-4 PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY.............................S-6 USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................................S-7 DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK.................................................S-7 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION........................................................S-7 LEGAL MATTERS...............................................................S-8 INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE.....................................S-8 Prospectus Page ---- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS.........................................................2 ABOUT TEREX...................................................................2 RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES...........................................3 USE OF PROCEEDS...............................................................3 DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES................................................4 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.................................................16 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS......................................................20 DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS........................................................21 DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS............................................22 DESCRIPTION OF UNITS.........................................................22 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.........................................................22 LEGAL MATTERS................................................................23 EXPERTS......................................................................23 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................................24 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..............................24 ________________________________________ You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus -supplement and the prospectus that is also part of this document. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any dates other than the date on the front of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. -i- FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference contain and refer to forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Generally, the words "may," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "plans," "projects," "estimates" or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statement is not forward-looking. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. It is possible that actual events and results will differ materially as future events are difficult to predict. In addition, many of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us are beyond our control. Some of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions are: o our business is highly cyclical and continuing weak general economic conditions may affect the sales of our products and our financial results; o construction and mining activity are affected by interest rates and government spending; o our ability to successfully integrate new businesses may affect our future performance; o changes in our key management personnel; o our businesses are in very competitive industries and may be affected by pricing, product and other actions taken by our competitors; o changes in laws and regulations; o we manufacture and sell our products in many countries and we may be affected by changes in exchange rates between currencies, as well as international politics; o our ability to manufacture and deliver our products to customers on a timely basis; o the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis; o our ability to pay dividends may be limited by the terms of our existing debt agreements and state law; o we have a significant amount of debt and our debt agreements contain a number of restrictive covenants; and o we are subject to various environmental laws and regulations. The forward-looking statements made or referred to in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference reflect our expectations and projections at the time the statement was made. We do not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement which may result from changes in events, conditions, circumstances or expectations on which we have based any forward-looking statement. -ii- PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully, including the "Risk Factors" section and the documents incorporated by reference, which are described under "Information We Incorporate By Reference". References in this prospectus supplement to "Terex," "we," "our," and "us" are generally meant to refer to Terex Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless indicated otherwise. The Company We are a diversified global manufacturer of a broad range of equipment for the construction, infrastructure and mining industries. We are building a growing franchise under the Terex brand name. We remain focused on our mission of delivering products that are reliable and cost effective and producing equipment that improves our customers' return on invested capital. Our products are manufactured at plants in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia, and are sold primarily through a worldwide distribution network with over 2,000 locations to the global construction, infrastructure and surface mining markets. Over the past several years, we have implemented a series of interrelated operational and strategic initiatives designed to create a competitive advantage in the marketplace. These initiatives include: (i) providing customers with lower cost products to increase their return on invested capital; (ii) implementing a variable cost structure with over 80% of cost of sales from purchased components; (iii) reducing selling expense and eliminating non-value-added functions throughout the organization; and (iv) increasing product and geographic diversity through internal development and acquisitions. We previously operated in three business segments: Terex Americas, Terex Europe and Terex Mining. On September 11, 2002, we announced a new operating structure which is comprised of four business segments: Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, Terex Mining and Terex Roadbuilding and Utility Products and Other. On September 18, 2002 we consummated the acquisition of Genie Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of aerial work platforms. Genie will comprise a new business segment, Terex Aerial Work Platforms. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Post Road East, Westport, Connecticut 06880, and our telephone number is (203) 222-7170. Terex Construction The Terex Construction segment designs, manufactures and markets loader backhoes, articulated and rigid off-highway trucks, mobile crushing and screening equipment, excavators (including both mini- and midi- excavators), compaction equipment, loading machines, wheeled loaders, rough terrain telescopic boom material handlers, related components and replacement parts, and other products. Currently, Terex Construction products are marketed under the following brand names: Atlas, Benford, B. L. Pegson, CPV, Fermec, Finlay, Fuchs, Italmacchine, Matbro, Powerscreen, Schaeff, Square Shooter and Terex. These products are used primarily by construction, logging, mining, industrial and government customers in building roads and commercial and residential buildings and supplying coal, minerals, sand and gravel. Terex Cranes The Terex Cranes segment designs, manufactures and markets telescopic mobile cranes (including rough terrain, truck and all terrain mobile cranes), lattice boom cranes, tower cranes, truck mounted cranes (boom trucks), related components and replacement parts, and other products. Currently, Terex Cranes products are marketed under the following brand names: American, Bendini, Comedil, Demag, Franna, Koehring, Lorain, Marklift, Peiner, PPM, RO and Terex. These products are used primarily for construction, repair and maintenance of infrastructure, building and manufacturing facilities. S-1 Terex Mining The Terex Mining segment designs, manufactures and markets large hydraulic excavators and high capacity surface mining trucks, related components and replacement parts, and other products. Currently, Terex Mining products are marketed under the following brand names: Lectra Haul, O&K, Payhauler, Terex and Unit Rig. These products are used primarily by mining and government customers in supplying coal and minerals. Terex Roadbuilding and Utility Products and Other The Terex Roadbuilding and Utility Products and Other segment designs, manufactures and markets equipment for the roadbuilding, utility and light construction industries. Products include asphalt and concrete plants and pavers, reclaimers, stabilizers and milling machines, crushing and screening equipment, aerial devices, digger derricks, tree trimmers, light towers, generators, related components and replacement parts, and other products. Currently, Terex Roadbuilding and Utility Products and Other products are marketed under the following brand names: Advance, Amida, Bartell, Bid-Well, Canica, Cedarapids, Cifali, CMI, Coleman Engineering, Grayhound, Hi-Ranger, Jaques, Johnson-Ross, Load King, Morrison, Muller, Re-Tech, Royer, Simplicity, Telelect and Terex. These products are used primarily by government, utility and construction customers to build roads, maintain utility lines and trim trees. Terex Aerial Work Platforms With the completion of the acquisition of Genie, Terex has instituted a new business segment, Terex Aerial Work Platforms. The Terex Aerial Work Platforms segment designs, manufactures and markets aerial work platforms equipment for the construction, manufacturing, maintenance and other industries. Products include material lifts, trailer mounted booms, scissor lifts, self-propelled telescopic booms, self-propelled articulating booms, related components and replacement parts, and other products. Terex Aerial Work Platforms products are marketed under the following brand names: Genie and Terex Aerials. These products are used primarily by customers to safely lift people and/or equipment as required to build and/or maintain large physical assets and structures. Recent Developments On July 3, 2002, we entered into an amended and restated credit facility with our bank lending group. The revised credit agreement provides for $375 million of term debt maturing in July 2009 and a revolving credit facility of $300 million that is available through July 2007. The facility also includes provisions for up to an additional $250 million of term borrowings by us on terms similar to the current term loan debt under the facility. We borrowed an additional $210 million through this incremental term loan opportunity on September 13, 2002. As a part of the revised credit agreement, we made amendments to certain covenants and other provisions to allow us more flexibility. On August 30, 2002, we announced that we had completed the acquisition of Demag Mobile Cranes GmbH & Co. KG, or Demag, for approximately 160 million Euro. Demag, headquartered in Zweibrucken, Germany, manufactures and distributes telescopic and lattice boom cranes, and had 2001 revenues of approximately $360 million. On September 18, 2002, we consummated the acquisition of Genie Holdings, Inc., or Genie, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms with 2001 revenues of approximately $575 million. The purchase consideration was $75 million, consisting of $64.9 million in shares of our common stock and $10.1 million in cash. In addition, we assumed and are refinancing approximately $175 million of Genie's debt, using the proceeds of the incremental term loan borrowing described above. We issued approximately 3.2 million shares of our common stock to the Genie shareholders in connection with the acquisition of Genie. Of these shares, 979,864 shares have been deposited in an escrow account in order to ensure that the representations, warranties and covenants made by the Genie shareholders to us are not breached and in order to provide a source of indemnification to us. In addition, we may issue additional shares of common stock to the former Genie shareholders in the event that (i) our stock does not appreciate to certain levels at specific times S-2 in the future or (ii) we receive payments related to a particular outstanding receivable that is owed to Genie by an unrelated third party. S-3 RISK FACTORS Investing in shares of our common stock can be risky. Before you invest in shares of our common stock, you should carefully consider the following factors and other information contained or incorporated in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. Risks Related to this Offering Our significant debt levels may limit our future ability to obtain additional financing and to pursue business opportunities. As of June 30, 2002, we had total debt of approximately $1,098 million, which represented approximately 60.6% of our total capitalization. As of June 30, 2002, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the acquisition of Genie and Demag, our pro forma debt would have been approximately $1,547 million, which would have represented approximately 66.6% of our total capitalization. There are several important consequences of having debt, including the following: o a portion of our cash from operating activities will be used to pay principal and interest on our debt; o competitive pressures and adverse economic conditions are more likely to have a negative effect on our business; and o our ability to make acquisitions and to take advantage of significant business opportunities may be negatively affected. Our ability to pay the required interest and principal payments on our debt depends on the future performance of our business. The performance of our business is subject to general economic conditions and other financial and business factors. Many of these factors are beyond our control. If we do not have enough cash flow in the future to pay the required interest or principal payments on our debt, we may be required to refinance all or a part of our debt or borrow additional amounts. We do not know if refinancing our debt will be possible at that time or if we will be able to find someone who will lend us more money. In addition, because part of our debt bears interest at floating rates, an increase in interest rates could adversely affect our ability to make the required interest and principal payments on our debt. Our inability to comply with the restrictive debt covenants contained in our existing debt agreements could lead to an acceleration of our debt under our debt agreements and possibly bankruptcy. Our existing debt agreements contain a number of significant covenants. These covenants limit our ability to, among other things, borrow additional money, make capital expenditures, pay dividends, dispose of assets and acquire new businesses. These covenants also require us to meet certain financial tests. Changes in economic or business conditions, results of operations or other factors could cause us to default under our debt agreements. If we are unable to comply with these covenants, there would be a default under our debt agreements. A default, if not waived by our lenders, could result in acceleration of our debt and possibly bankruptcy. Risks Related to Our Business We may face limitations on our ability to integrate acquired businesses. We expect to continue our strategy of identifying and acquiring businesses with complementary products and services which we believe will enhance our operations and profitability. We may pay for future acquisitions from internally generated funds, bank borrowings, public offerings, private sales of stock or bonds, or some combination of these methods. However, we cannot give any assurance that we will be able to continue to find suitable businesses to purchase or that we will be able to raise the money necessary to complete future acquisitions. S-4 In addition, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate any business we purchase into our existing business or that any acquired businesses will be profitable. The successful integration of new businesses depends on our ability to manage these new businesses and cut excess costs. If we are unable to complete the integration of new businesses in a timely manner, it could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our business is highly cyclical. The demand for our products depends upon the general economic conditions of the markets in which we compete. Downward economic cycles result in reductions in sales of our products, which may reduce our profits. We anticipate continuing weak economic conditions in many of our end markets in the near-term. We have taken a number of steps to reduce our fixed costs and diversify our operations to decrease the negative impact of these cycles. There can be no assurance, however, that these steps will prevent the negative impact of poor economic conditions. We operate in a highly competitive industry. We compete in a highly competitive industry. To compete successfully, our products must excel in terms of quality, price, product line, ease of use, safety and comfort, and we must also provide excellent customer service. The greater financial resources of certain of our competitors may put us at a competitive disadvantage. We rely on key management. We rely on the management and leadership skills of Ronald M. DeFeo, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. DeFeo has an employment agreement with us which expires on December 31, 2004. The loss of his services could have a significant, negative impact on our business. We are subject to currency fluctuations and other risks from our international operations. Our products are sold in over 100 countries around the world. Thus, our revenues are generated in foreign currencies, including the Euro, British Pound Sterling and Australian Dollar, while costs incurred to generate those revenues are only partly incurred in the same currencies. Since our financial statements are denominated in U.S. Dollars, changes in currency exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, an impact on our earnings. To date, this impact has not been material on our earnings. To reduce this currency exchange risk, we may buy protecting or offsetting positions (known as "hedges") in certain currencies to reduce the risk of an adverse currency exchange movement. We have not engaged in any speculative or profit motivated hedging activities. Although we partially hedge our revenues and costs, currency fluctuations will impact our financial performance in the future. Our international operations are also subject to a number of potential risks. Such risks include, among others, currency exchange controls, labor unrest, regional economic uncertainty, political instability, restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of a country, export duties and quotas, domestic and foreign customs and tariffs, current and changing regulatory environments, difficulty in obtaining distribution support and potentially adverse tax consequences. These factors may have an adverse effect on our international operations in the future. Compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations could be costly and require us to make significant expenditures. We generate hazardous and nonhazardous wastes in the normal course of our manufacturing operations. As a result, we are subject to a wide range of federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern actions that may have adverse environmental effects and also require compliance with certain practices when handling and disposing of hazardous and nonhazardous wastes. These laws and regulations also impose liability for the costs of, and damages resulting from, cleaning up sites, past spills, disposals and other releases of hazardous substances. S-5 Compliance with these laws and regulations requires us to make expenditures. We do not expect that these expenditures will have a material adverse effect on its business or profitability. Restrictions on Dividends Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited under the terms of our existing debt agreements. In addition, Delaware law generally restricts us from paying dividends in circumstances where the payment would make our liabilities exceed our assets or where the payment would make us unable to pay our debts as they become due. We do not plan on paying dividends on our common stock in the near term. Instead, we intend to retain any earnings to repay indebtedness and to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future payments of cash dividends will depend on our financial condition, capital requirements and earnings, as well as other factors that the Board of Directors may consider. PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND POLICY Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TEX." The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sales prices of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape. Price Range ------------------------- Low High -------- -------- 2000 First Quarter................................... $11.13 $28.88 Second Quarter.................................. 12.38 17.25 Third Quarter................................... 12.00 19.50 Fourth Quarter.................................. 11.56 17.19 2001 First Quarter................................... $14.44 $20.35 Second Quarter.................................. 16.75 24.50 Third Quarter................................... 15.35 22.94 Fourth Quarter.................................. 15.78 19.00 2002 First Quarter................................... $15.59 $23.17 Second Quarter ................................. 21.50 26.71 Third Quarter .................................. 16.75 21.73 The last reported sale of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on September 30, 2002 was $16.90 per share. As of September 30, 2002, there were approximately 1,304 record holders of our common stock. We did not declare or pay a cash dividend on our common stock in 2000, 2001 or to date in 2002, nor do we anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Certain of our debt agreements contain restrictions as to the payment of cash dividends. In addition, payment of dividends is limited by Delaware law. We intend generally to retain any earnings to repay indebtedness and to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future payments of cash dividends will depend on our financial condition, capital requirements and earnings, as well as other factors that the Board of Directors may consider. S-6 USE OF PROCEEDS We will not receive any proceeds from this offering. DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK Our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue up to 150,000,000 shares of our common stock. As of September 30, 2002, we had 47,325,390 shares of our common stock outstanding. The following is a summary of the material terms of our common stock. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. Accordingly, you should read carefully the more detailed provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote, either in person or by proxy, on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Subject to preferences which may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock have equal ratable rights to any dividends that may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds. Holders of our common stock have no conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of our common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets remaining after provision for payment of liabilities to creditors and preferences applicable to outstanding shares of preferred stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that directors shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director except to the extent otherwise required by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that our stockholders must provide prior notice for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters which can be acted upon at stockholders meeting. This provision could be considered an "anti-takeover" provision. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The shares of our common stock covered by this prospectus supplement have been offered as an accommodation to certain holders of our Common Stock Appreciation Rights, or Equity Rights, which were issued pursuant to the Common Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, dated as of May 9, 1995, between The Bank of New York (formerly United States Trust Company of New York), as agent, and us. Although all of the unexercised Equity Rights expired on May 15, 2002, as an accommodation to the holders and to further promote our investor relations, we offered the holders of such expired and unexercised Equity Rights the opportunity to receive the number of shares of our common stock that they would have been entitled to receive had they exercised their Equity Rights immediately prior to May 15, 2002 and we satisfied any obligations to such holders by issuing our common stock at such time. Accordingly, each holder who accepted our offer of accommodation will receive the number of shares of our common stock equal to (i) the number of Equity Rights such holder owns, multiplied by (ii) $15.52 (the difference between $22.81, the average closing price for one share of our common stock for the 60 consecutive days prior to May 15, 2002, and $7.288, the amount set forth in the Common Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement), divided by (iii) $24.62 (the closing price for one share of our common stock on May 15, 2002). Each holder who accepted our offer of accommodation will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares. In addition, each holder who accepted our offer of accommodation acknowledged that neither we nor The Bank of New York (nor its S-7 predecessor United States Trust Company of New York) have any obligation to such holder with respect to the Equity Rights and released such entities and any person or entities related thereto from any liability which relates to or arises from the Equity Rights. We are issuing 64,871 shares of our common stock pursuant to this offer of accommodation. As a further accommodation to the holders, The Bank of New York, as agent, has agreed to bear all of the expenses we incur in connection with this prospectus supplement, estimated to be approximately $15,000. LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters in connection with the validity of the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for Terex by Bryan Cave LLP, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. INFORMATION WE INCORPORATE BY REFERENCE The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed on page 24 of the accompanying prospectus, the documents listed below and any future filings we will make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the date of this prospectus supplement and immediately prior to the termination of this offering. 1. Annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001; 2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended March 31, 2002; 3. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2002; 4. The Company's Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement dated April 1, 2002; 5. Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 28, 2001 and filed with the SEC on January 15, 2002; 6. Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 18, 2002 and filed with the SEC on April 18, 2002; 7. Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 16, 2002 and filed with the SEC on May 17, 2002; 8. Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 19, 2002 and filed with the SEC on July 22, 2002; and 9. Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2002 and filed with the SEC on August 9, 2002; 10. Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 30, 2002 and filed with the SEC on August 30, 2002; 11. Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 11, 2002 and filed with the SEC on September 16, 2002; 12. Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 16, 2002 and filed with the SEC on September 17, 2002; 13. Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 13, 2002 and filed with the SEC on September 20, 2002; and 14. Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 2002 and filed with the SEC on October 1, 2002. S-8 PROSPECTUS TEREX CORPORATION Debt Securities Preferred Stock Common Stock Warrants Rights Purchase Contracts Units ___________________________ We may offer from time to time the following types of securities: o our debt securities, in one or more series, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, in each case consisting of notes or other unsecured evidences of indebtedness; o shares of our preferred stock; o shares of our common stock; o warrants to purchase any of the other securities that may be sold under this prospectus; o rights to purchase preferred stock or common stock; o purchase contracts to acquire any of the other securities that may be sold under this prospectus; and o any combination of these securities, individually or as units. The securities will have an aggregate initial offering price of up to $300,000,000. The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination and as separate series. We will provide specific terms of these securities in supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, carefully before you invest. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TEX." On January 7, 2002, the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $17.87. We will sell these securities directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. We reserve the sole right to accept, and together with our agents, dealers and underwriters reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities to be made directly or through agents, underwriters or dealers. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the relevant prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts. Our net proceeds from the sale of securities also will be set forth in the relevant prospectus supplement. Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by the applicable prospectus supplement. ___________________________ The date of this prospectus is January 9, 2002. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ---- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS.........................................................2 ABOUT TEREX...................................................................2 RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES...........................................3 USE OF PROCEEDS...............................................................3 DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES................................................4 DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.................................................16 DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS......................................................20 DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS........................................................21 DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS............................................22 DESCRIPTION OF UNITS.........................................................22 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.........................................................22 LEGAL MATTERS................................................................23 EXPERTS......................................................................23 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................................24 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..............................24 ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, using a "shelf" registration process. Under the shelf process, we may, from time to time, offer up to $300,000,000 aggregate public offering price of the debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, rights, purchase contracts and units. In this prospectus we will refer to the debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, rights, purchase contracts and units collectively as the "securities." This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time that we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." We may only use this prospectus to sell securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. We are only offering these securities in states where the offer is permitted. The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the exhibits to the registration statement, contains additional information about us and the securities offered under this prospectus. That registration statement can be read at the SEC's web site or at the SEC's offices referenced under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." ABOUT TEREX We are a diversified global manufacturer of a broad range of equipment for the construction, infrastructure and mining industries. We are building a strong franchise under the Terex brand name by delivering reliable, cost-effective products designed to improve our customers' return on invested capital. Our products are manufactured at plants in the United States, Europe, Australia and Asia, and are sold primarily through a worldwide distribution network with over 1,000 locations to the global construction, infrastructure and surface mining markets. We currently operate in three business segments: Terex Americas, Terex Europe and Terex Mining. The focus of Terex Americas and Terex Europe is geographic. Terex Americas includes the business units located in North and South America, Australia and Asia, with the exception of those business units included within Terex Mining. Terex Europe includes the business units located in Europe, with the exception of those business units included within Terex Mining. While our business is becoming increasingly global, the geographic organization of these segments reflect our belief that our business is a local one that can best be developed and served by focusing our operations geographically, rather than by product, and by developing local relationships among equipment users, distribution channels and the manufacturer. -2- The Terex Mining business segment includes the results of our mining operations in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and in Germany and certain sales offices in Australia, South America and Africa. The Terex Mining business is organized under product lines and not geographic lines because of the worldwide scope of the mining business. In the mining industry, manufacturers and customers are located in various areas around the globe, with many customers operating multiple sites in widely dispersed locations, with the result that local geographic concerns are far less significant than a manufacturer's global range. Our principal executive offices are located at 500 Post Road East, Westport, Connecticut 06880, and our telephone number is (203) 222-7170. Terex Americas and Terex Europe The Terex Americas and Terex Europe segments manufacture and sell telescopic mobile cranes (including rough terrain, truck and all terrain mobile cranes), tower cranes (including self-erecting, hammerhead, flat top and luffing jib tower cranes), lattice boom cranes, utility aerial devices (including digger derricks and articulated aerial devices), telescopic material handlers (including container stackers and rough terrain, telescopic boom material handlers), truck-mounted cranes (boom trucks), aerial work platforms (including scissor, articulated boom and straight telescoping aerial work platforms), loader backhoes, articulated and rigid off-highway trucks, scrapers, crushing and screening equipment, asphalt pavers, asphalt mixing plants, and related components and replacement parts. In addition, the Terex Americas and Terex Europe segments manufacture and sell various light construction equipment, including mobile and portable floodlighting systems, concrete power trowels, concrete placement systems, concrete finishing systems, concrete mixers, generators, traffic control products, and related components and replacement parts. Terex Mining The Terex Mining segment manufactures and sells large hydraulic excavators and high capacity surface mining trucks, and related component and replacement parts. RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES The following table sets forth our unaudited historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated below: Nine Months Year Ended December 31, Ended September30, ----------------------------------- ------------------ 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2000 2001 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.... - 1.6x 2.4x 2.1x 2.5x 2.8x 1.3x In calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and extraordinary items plus fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense, preferred stock accretion, amortization of indebtedness issuance costs, and rental expense representative of the interest factor. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $42.2 million during the year ended December 31, 1996. USE OF PROCEEDS Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures, working capital, repayment or reduction of long-term and short-term debt and the financing of acquisitions and other business combinations. We may invest funds that we do not immediately require in short-term marketable securities. -3- DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion of or in exchange for, other securities. The debt securities may be our unsecured and unsubordinated obligations or our subordinated obligations. We use the term "senior debt securities" to refer to the unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. We use the term "subordinated debt securities" to refer to the subordinated obligations. The subordinated debt securities of any series may be our senior subordinated obligations, subordinated obligations, junior subordinated obligations or may have such other ranking as is described in the relevant prospectus supplement. We may issue any of these types of debt securities in one or more series. Our senior debt securities may be issued from time to time under a senior debt securities indenture with a trustee to be named in the senior debt securities indenture. Our subordinated debt securities may be issued from time to time under a subordinated debt securities indenture with a trustee to be named in the subordinated debt securities indenture, which will describe the specific terms of the debt securing series. We use the term "indenture" to refer to the senior debt securities indenture or the subordinated debt securities indenture. We use the term "indentures" to refer both the senior debt securities indenture and the subordinated debt securities indenture. We use the term "trustee" to refer to the trustee named in the senior debt securities indenture or the subordinated debt securities indenture. We use the term "trustees" to refer to both the trustee named in the senior debt securities indenture and the subordinated debt securities indenture. The following summary of selected provisions of the indentures and the debt securities is not complete. Before making an investment in our debt securities, you should review the applicable prospectus supplement and the form of applicable indenture. That indenture will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the offering of the specific debt securities. Some of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our cash flow and our ability to service our debt, including the debt securities, are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us, whether by dividends, loans or otherwise. The payment of dividends and the making of loans and advances to us by our subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or contractual restrictions, are contingent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and are subject to various business considerations. Our right to receive assets of any of our subsidiaries upon their liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the holders of the debt securities to participate in those assets) will be effectively subordinated to the claims of that subsidiary's creditors (including trade creditors), except to the extent that we are recognized as a creditor of that subsidiary, in which case our claims would still be subordinate to any security interests in the assets of the subsidiary and any indebtedness of the subsidiary senior to that held by us. General We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indentures. We can issue debt securities from time to time and in one or more series as determined by us. In addition, we can issue debt securities of any series with terms different from the terms of debt securities of any other series and the terms of particular debt securities within any series may differ from each other, all without the consent of the holders of previously issued series of debt securities. The debt securities of each series will be our direct, unsecured obligations. The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the series of debt securities will describe the specific terms of the debt securities being offered, including, where applicable, the following: o the title of the series of debt securities; o whether the debt securities of the series will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities; o any limit on the aggregate principal amount of debt securities of the series; o the name of the trustee and its corporate trust office; -4- o whether the debt securities of the series are to be issuable in registered or bearer form or both and whether the debt securities of the series may be represented initially by a debt security in temporary or permanent global form, and, if so, the initial depositary with respect to such temporary or permanent global debt security and the circumstances under which beneficial owners of interests in any such temporary or permanent global debt security may exchange such interests for debt securities of such series of like tenor and of any authorized form and denomination and the authorized newspapers for publication of notices to holders of bearer securities; o any other terms required to establish a series of bearer securities, including, but not limited to, tax compliance procedures; o the price or prices at which the debt securities of the series will be issued; o the person to whom any interest will be payable on any debt securities of the series, if other than the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the payment of interest; o the date or dates on which the principal of and premium, if any, on the debt securities of the series is payable or the method or methods, if any, used to determine those dates; o the rate or rates at which the debt securities of the series will bear interest or the method or methods, if any, used to calculate those rate or rates; o the date or dates, if any, from which interest on the debt securities of the series will accrue, or the method or methods, if any, used to determine those dates; o the stated maturities of installments of interest, if any, on which any interest on the debt securities of the series will be payable and the regular record dates for any interest payable on any debt securities of the series which are registered securities; o the place or places where and the manner in which the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series will be payable and the place or places where the debt securities of the series may be presented for transfer and, if applicable, conversion or exchange and the place or places where notices and demands in respect of the debt securities of the series may be served on us; o our right, if any, to redeem the debt securities, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, the debt securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part; o our obligation, if any, to redeem or purchase the debt securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of such debt securities, the conditions, if any, giving rise to such obligation, and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which, the debt securities of the series shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or part, and any provisions for the remarketing of such debt securities; o the denominations in which any registered securities of the series are to be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, and the denominations in which any bearer securities of the series are to be issuable, if other than denominations of $5,000 and $100,000; o the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, of payment of principal or premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series, if other than U.S. dollars, and, if other -5- than U.S. dollars, whether the debt securities of the series may be satisfied and discharged other than as provided in the applicable indenture; o if the amount of payments of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities of the series is to be determined by reference to an index, formula or other method, or based on a coin or currency or currency unit other than that in which the debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the manner in which these amounts are to be determined and the calculation agent, if any, with respect thereto; o if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities of the series which will be payable upon declaration or acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to an event of default; o if we agree to pay any additional amounts on any of the debt securities, and coupons, if any, of the series to any holder in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge withheld or deducted, the circumstances and procedures under which we will make these payments, and whether those additional amounts paid by us will be treated as interest or principal pursuant to the applicable indenture, and whether we will have the option to redeem these debt securities rather than pay these additional amounts; o whether the debt securities of the series are convertible or exchangeable into other debt or equity securities, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which such conversion or exchange will be effected, including the initial conversion or exchange price or rate and any adjustments thereto, the conversion or exchange period and other conversion or exchange provisions; o whether the debt securities of the series are issuable upon the conversion or exchange of other debt or equity securities, and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which the issuance will be effected, including the time, manner and place for the issuance; o any terms applicable to debt securities of any series issued at an issue price below their stated principal amount, including the issue price thereof and the rate or rates at which the original issue discount will accrue; o whether the debt securities of the series are to be issued or delivered (whether at the time of original issuance or at the time of exchange of a temporary security of such series or otherwise), or any installment of principal or any premium or interest is to be payable only, upon receipt of certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions in addition to those specified in the applicable indenture; o whether the debt securities of the series, in whole or any specified part, will not be defeasible pursuant to the applicable indenture and, if other than by an officers' certificate, the manner in which any election by us to defease the debt securities of the series will be evidenced; o any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the events of default or our covenants with respect to the debt securities of the series, whether or not these events of default or covenants are consistent with the events of default or covenants set forth in this prospectus and any change in the rights of the trustee or the requisite holders of the debt securities of the series to declare the principal amount of that series due and payable pursuant to the applicable indenture; o any special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the debt securities of the series; and o any other terms of the debt securities of the series not inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable indenture. -6- The prospectus supplement relating to any series of subordinated debt securities being offered will also describe the subordination provisions applicable to that series, if different from the subordination provisions described in this prospectus. In addition, the prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt will describe our rights, if any, to defer payments of interest on the subordinated debt securities by extending the interest payment period. Debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount security, the amount payable to the holder upon acceleration will be determined in the manner described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Special United States federal tax and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. In addition, special United States federal tax considerations or other restrictions or terms applicable to any debt securities to be issued in bearer form, offered exclusively to non-United States holders or denominated in a currency other than United States dollars will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The above is not intended to be an exclusive list of the terms that may be applicable to any debt securities and we are not limited in any respect in our ability to issue debt securities with terms different from or in addition to those described above or elsewhere in this prospectus, provided that the terms are not inconsistent with the applicable indenture. Any applicable prospectus supplement will also describe any special provisions for the payment of additional amounts with respect to the debt securities. Subordination Provisions Relating to Subordinated Debt Except as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a series of subordinated debt securities, the subordinated debt securities will be issued under the subordinated debt securities indenture and will rank subordinated and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt securities indenture, to all of our "senior indebtedness," which is defined below; if: o we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior indebtedness when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, and the default is continuing; o there is any other default in respect of our senior indebtedness which has occurred and is continuing which would permit the senior indebtedness to be accelerated; o there is any judicial proceeding pending regarding any default in respect of our senior indebtedness; and o the subordinated debt securities of the series are accelerated; then, unless and until (i) the event of default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, (ii) any acceleration is rescinded or annulled, or (iii) any judicial proceeding is terminated, we cannot make any payment on account of or acquire the subordinated debt securities prior to the repayment in full of our outstanding senior indebtedness. Nevertheless, holders of subordinated debt securities may still receive and retain payments made: o from a trust of the type described in "--Discharge and Defeasance" below; o in our capital stock; or o in other securities which are payable no earlier than the final stated maturity date of the subordinated debt securities of the series, have terms no more restrictive than those of the subordinated debt securities of the series and are subordinated in right of payment to the senior indebtedness at least to the same extent as the subordinated debt securities of the series. -7- If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding up, assignment for the benefit of our creditors, marshalling of our assets and liabilities, or other similar proceeding, whether or not voluntary, relating to us, our creditors or our assets, then all senior indebtedness must be paid in full or otherwise provided for before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt securities other than payments made: o from a trust of the type described in "--Discharge and Defeasance" below; o in our capital stock; or o in other securities which are payable no earlier than the final stated maturity date of the subordinated debt securities of the series, have terms no more restrictive than those of the subordinated debt securities of the series and are subordinated in right of payment to the senior indebtedness at least to the same extent as the subordinated debt securities of the series. The subordinated debt securities indenture trustee and the holders of subordinated debt securities must return and deliver any payments of cash, property or securities received by them, other than any permitted payments described above, to the trustee or other paying agent for application to the payment of all senior indebtedness until all senior indebtedness is paid in full. Unless otherwise specified with respect to a series of subordinated debt securities issued under the subordinated debt securities indenture, "senior indebtedness" under the subordinated debt securities indenture means the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on and any other amounts due on or in connection with any of the following indebtedness, incurred, assumed or guaranteed by us, whether or not outstanding on the date we issue any series of subordinated debt securities (including renewals, extensions and refundings of these obligations): o our obligations for borrowed money; o our obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; o our capital lease obligations; o all obligations of the type referred to above of other persons secured by a lien on any of our assets, whether or not we have assumed those obligations; and o all obligations of the type referred to above of other persons for the payment of which we are responsible or liable as obligor or guarantor. However, senior indebtedness does not include: o any indebtedness, including other series of debt securities issued under the subordinated debt securities indenture, created or evidenced by or outstanding pursuant to an instrument that expressly provides that the indebtedness is subordinated to any other indebtedness of ours, unless that indebtedness expressly provides that it will be senior to the subordinated debt securities of the series; o any indebtedness that by its terms states that it will not be senior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities of the series; and o any indebtedness of ours to any of our affiliates or subsidiaries. The subordinated debt securities indenture does not limit the amount of senior indebtedness that we may issue. We may issue senior subordinated debt securities under the subordinated debt securities indenture. -8- Form, Exchange, Registration and Transfer The debt securities of a series may be issued as registered securities, as bearer securities (with or without coupons attached) or as both registered securities and bearer securities. Debt securities of a series may be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more global debt securities, as described below under "--Global Debt Securities." Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, registered securities will be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, and bearer securities will be issuable in denominations of $5,000. At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount. Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities of any series may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in the debt securities of any series that the holder presents for transfer or exchange, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges. In the event of any redemption of debt securities of any series, we will not be required to: o issue, register the transfer of or exchange debt securities of that series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of debt securities of that series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of mailing of the relevant notice of redemption; or o register the transfer of, or exchange any debt securities of the series or portion thereof, called for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any being redeemed in part. Covenants Except as permitted under "-- Mergers and Sales of Assets" and as otherwise specified in an applicable prospectus supplement, the indentures prohibit us from entering into a reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction. All other covenants, if any, that will apply to a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in the indenture relating to such series of debt securities. Payment and Paying Agents Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities of the series will be made at an office of the agency designated by us in accordance with the applicable indenture, except that at our option, payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest also may be made by check payable to payee and mailed to the address of payee as it appears in the debt securities registrar or by wire transfer to an account maintained by the payee. Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, payment of any installment of interest on debt securities of a series will be made to the person in whose name the debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest payment. Global Debt Securities The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in the form of one or more fully registered global securities. A debt security in global form will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary, which will be identified in an applicable prospectus supplement. Global debt securities are expected to be deposited with the -9- Depository Trust Company. A global debt security may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form. Unless and until a debt security is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual debt security represented thereby, a debt security in global form may not be transferred except as a whole to the depositary for the debt security or to a nominee or successor of the depositary. If any debt securities of a series are issuable in global form, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the circumstances, if any, under which beneficial owners of interests in a global debt security may exchange their interests for definitive debt securities of that series of like tenor and principal amount in any authorized form and denomination, the manner of payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the global debt securities and the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any global debt security. The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. We anticipate that the following provisions will generally apply to depositary arrangements. Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such global security to the accounts of institutions or persons, commonly known as participants, that have accounts with the depositary or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of interests in such global security will be shown on, and the transfer of those ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary (with respect to participants' interests) and such participants (with respect to the owners of beneficial interests in such global security). The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive form. These limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security. So long as the depositary, or its nominee, is the registered holder and owner of such global security, the depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder for all purposes of the debt securities and for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Except as set forth below or as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered to be the owners or holders of any debt securities under the applicable indenture or such global security. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on the procedures of the depositary and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of debt securities under the applicable indenture of such global security. We understand that under existing industry practice, in the event we request any action of holders of debt securities or if an owner of a beneficial interest in a global security desires to take any action that the depositary, as the holder of such global security is entitled to take, the depositary would authorize the participants to take such action, and that the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning through such participants to take such actions or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them. Payments of principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities represented by a global security will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner and holder of such global security, against surrender of the debt securities at the principal corporate trust office of the trustee. Interest payments will be made at the principal corporate trust office of the trustee or by a check mailed to the holder at its registered address. Payment in any other manner will be specified in the prospectus supplement. We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, of interest, if any, in respect of a global security, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global security as shown on the records of the depositary. We expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in a global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in 'street name,' and will be the responsibility of such participant. We are not responsible or liable (and neither is the trustee or our agent) for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interests in a global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests or for any -10- other aspect of the relationship between the depositary and its participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of beneficial interests in such global security owning through such participants. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive form, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities represented by a global security will be exchangeable for debt securities in definitive form of like tenor as such global security in denominations of $1,000 and in any greater amount that is an integral multiple thereof if: o the depositary notifies us and the trustee that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such global security or if at any time the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within 90 days; o we, in our sole discretion, determine not to have all of the debt securities represented by a global security and notify the trustee thereof; or o there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default with respect to the debt securities. Any debt security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence is exchangeable for debt securities registered in such names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. It is expected that such instructions may be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such global security. Subject to the foregoing, a global security is not exchangeable except for a global security or global securities of the same aggregate denominations to be registered in the name of the depositary or its nominee. Mergers and Sales of Assets Each indenture provides that we may not consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another person, unless, among other things: o we are the continuing corporation, or the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if other than us) is a corporation, partnership or trust organized and existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, and that person expressly assumes all of our obligations under the applicable debt securities and the applicable indenture; o immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an event of default (any such event, a "default") or event of default shall have occurred or be continuing under the applicable indenture; and o we deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel to the effect that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, as the case may be, complies with the indenture and that all conditions precedent provided in the indenture with respect to the transaction have been satisfied. Upon the assumption of our obligations by a person to whom the properties or assets are conveyed or transferred, we will be discharged from all obligations under the applicable debt securities and the applicable indenture, except in the case of a lease of our properties and assets substantially as an entirety. -11- Events of Default Each indenture provides that if an event of default occurs and is continuing with respect to a series of debt securities, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities, that portion of the principal amount of the debt securities as may be specified by the terms thereof) of the debt securities of that series to be immediately due and payable. Under certain circumstances, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series may rescind the declaration. Under each indenture, unless otherwise specified with respect to a series of debt securities, the following events will constitute an event of default with respect to a series of debt securities: o default in payment of the principal of any debt security of the series or any required sinking fund payment; o default in payment of any interest or other amounts on any debt security of the series when due, continuing for 30 days; o with respect to each series of debt securities, failure to perform any other of our covenants applicable to that series, which failure continues for 60 days after written notice to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series specifying such failure, requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a "Notice of Default"; o specified events of bankruptcy or insolvency; and o any other event of default applicable to a series of debt securities as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The trustee will give notice to holders of the debt securities of any continuing default known to the trustee within 90 days after the occurrence of the default. However, the trustee may withhold notice of any default under the debt securities of a series, other than a payment default, if it determines that withholding the notice is in the interests of the holders. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series so long as the direction does not conflict with any law or the indenture and subject to other limitations provided for in the applicable indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the indenture at the direction of holders, the trustee will be entitled to receive from the holders reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with the direction. With respect to each series of debt securities, no holder will have any right to pursue any remedy with respect to the applicable indenture or the debt securities, unless: o the holder has previously given the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series; o the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series have made a written request to the trustee to pursue the remedy; o the holder or holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee; -12- o the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series have not given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request; and o the trustee has failed to comply with the request within the 60-day period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the right of any holder of any debt security or coupon to receive payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest in respect of a debt security or payment of the coupon on the date specified for payment in the debt security or coupon representing the installment of interest (the "stated maturity" or "stated maturities") or to institute suit for the enforcement of payment may not be impaired or adversely affected without the holder's consent. The holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive an existing default with respect to that series and its consequences, other than (i) any default in any payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, or interest on, any debt security of the series, or (ii) any default in respect of the covenants or provisions in the applicable indenture which may not be modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected as described in "--Modification and Waiver," below. Each indenture provides for us to deliver to the trustee within 120 days after the end of each of our fiscal years an officers' certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any default that occurred during the last fiscal year. Modification and Waiver The indentures permit us and the applicable trustee to execute a supplemental indenture without the consent of the holders of the debt securities or any related coupons: o to evidence the succession of another corporation to us and the assumption by it of our obligations under the applicable indenture and the debt securities; o to add to our covenants, agreements and obligations for the benefit of the holders of all the debt securities of any series or to surrender any right or power conferred in the applicable indenture upon us; o to provide that bearer securities may be registrable as to principal, to change or eliminate any restrictions (including restrictions relating to payment in the United States) on the payment of principal of and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on bearer securities, to permit bearer securities to be issued in exchange for registered securities, to permit bearer securities to be issued in exchange for bearer securities of other authorized denominations or to permit the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form; o to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series or coupons as permitted by the applicable indenture; o to provide for the acceptance of appointment under the applicable indenture of a successor trustee with respect to the debt securities of one or more series and to add to or change any provisions of that indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts by more than one trustee; o to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; o to add to, change or eliminate any provisions (which addition, change or elimination may apply to one or more series of debt securities), provided that the addition, change or elimination neither (a) applies to any debt security of any series that was created prior to the execution of the supplemental indenture and is entitled to the benefit of that provision nor (b) modifies the rights of the holder of any such debt security with respect to that provision; -13- o to add events of default for the benefit of all or any series of debt securities; o to secure the debt securities; or o to make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder of the debt securities. Each indenture also permits us and the applicable trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the series affected by the supplemental indenture, to execute a supplemental indenture to add provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any provisions of, the indenture with respect to that series of debt securities or modify in any manner the rights of the holders of the debt securities of that series and any related coupons under the applicable indenture. However, the supplemental indenture will not, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby: o change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal or interest on, the debt securities or any premium payable upon redemption thereof; o reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount securities that would be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of maturity thereof; o reduce the principal amount of, or premium, if any, or the rate of interest on, the debt securities; o change the place or currency of payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities; o impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to the debt securities; o reduce the percentage of the outstanding debt securities of any series necessary to modify or amend the indenture; o modify the foregoing requirements or reduce the percentage in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of any series necessary to waive any covenant or past default; or o in the case of subordinated debt securities, amend or modify any of the provisions of the applicable indenture relating to subordination of the debt securities in any manner adverse to the holders of the debt securities. Holders of not less than a majority of the principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive certain past defaults and may waive compliance by us with certain of the restrictive covenants described above with respect to the debt securities of that series. Discharge and Defeasance Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, each indenture provides that we may satisfy and discharge obligations thereunder with respect to the debt securities of any series by delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding debt securities of the series or depositing with the trustee, after the outstanding debt securities have become due and payable, or will become due and payable within one year or will be called for redemption within one year, cash sufficient to pay at stated maturity or redemption all of the outstanding debt securities of the series and all other sums payable under the indenture with respect to the series. In addition, unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, each indenture provides that we may: -14- o be discharged from our obligations in respect of the debt securities of a series ("defeasance and discharge"); or o cease to comply with specified restrictive covenants ("covenant defeasance"), including those described under "--Mergers and Sales of Assets"; and the omission will not be an event of default with respect to the debt securities of that series, in each case at any time prior to the stated maturity or redemption thereof, if we irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust: o sufficient funds in the currency or currency unit in which the debt securities are denominated to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest to stated maturity or redemption on, the debt securities of that series; or o that amount of direct obligations of, or obligations of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on which are fully guaranteed by, the government which issued the currency in which the debt securities are denominated, and which are not subject to prepayment, redemption or call, as will, together with the predetermined and certain income to accrue thereon without consideration of any reinvestment thereof, be sufficient to pay when due the principal of, premium, if any, and interest to stated maturity or redemption on, the debt securities of that series. The defeasance and discharge and covenant defeasance described above are effective only if, among other things, we deliver an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) we have met all of the conditions precedent to the defeasance and the holders of the debt securities of the series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance, and will be subject to tax in the same manner as if no defeasance had occurred and (ii) in the case of defeasance and discharge, the opinion as to tax consequences is based upon an Internal Revenue Service ruling or a change in applicable federal income tax law. Upon the defeasance and discharge, the holders of the debt securities of the series will no longer be entitled to the benefits of the applicable indenture, except for the purposes of registration of transfer and exchange of the debt securities of the series and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated debt securities and may look only to the deposited funds or obligations for payment. The Trustees under the Indentures The trustees under the indentures, and/or one or more of their respective affiliates, may be lenders under our credit agreements and may provide other commercial banking, investment banking and other services to us and/or our subsidiaries and affiliates. Each trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions with us and/or our subsidiaries and affiliates. However, if any trustee acquires any conflicting interest, as defined in the Trust Indenture Act, it must eliminate the conflict or resign. The trustees will perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in the indentures, unless an event of default occurs and is continuing. In case an event of default occurs and is continuing, a trustee will exercise the same degree of care and skill as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Applicable Law The debt securities and the indentures will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable. Conversion or Exchange If and to the extent indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities of any series may be convertible or exchangeable into other securities, the specific terms on which debt securities of any series may be so converted or exchanged will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. These terms may include provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, in which case -15- the number of shares of other securities to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK The following description of our common stock and preferred stock, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the common stock and preferred stock that we may offer under this prospectus. For the complete terms of our common stock and preferred stock, please refer to our restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement which includes this prospectus. The General Corporation Law of Delaware may also affect the terms of these securities. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future common stock or preferred stock that we may offer, we will describe the particular terms of any series of these securities in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any common stock or preferred stock we offer under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below. Under our restated certificate of incorporation our authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, and 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. As of December 10, 2001, we had 36,325,414 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. All outstanding shares of common stock are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Common Stock Each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote, either in person or by proxy, on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Subject to preferences which may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock have equal ratable rights to any dividends that may be declared by the board of directors out of legally available funds. Holders of common stock have no conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets remaining after provision for payment of liabilities to creditors and preferences applicable to outstanding shares of preferred stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock. Our restated certificate of incorporation provides that directors shall not be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director except to the extent otherwise required by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws provide for indemnification of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that our stockholders must provide prior notice for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters which can be acted upon at a stockholders meeting. This provision could be considered an "anti-takeover" provision. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company. Preferred Stock General Our board of directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock from time to time up to an aggregate of 50,000,000 shares of our preferred stock, in one or more series or classes, and to fix for each series voting powers -16- and those preferences and relative participating, optional or other special rights and those qualifications, limitations or restrictions as are permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Our board of directors is authorized to determine the terms for each series of preferred stock, and the prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any series of preferred stock being offered, including: o the designation of the shares and the number of shares that constitute the series; o the dividend rate (or the method of calculation thereof), if any, on the shares of the series and the priority as to payment of dividends with respect to other classes or series of our capital stock and the payment date of dividends; o the dividend periods (or the method of calculation thereof); o the date from which dividends on the preferred stock shall accumulate, if applicable; o the voting rights of the shares; o the liquidation preference and the priority as to payment of the liquidation preference with respect to other classes or series of our capital stock and any other rights of the shares of the series upon our liquidation or winding-up; o whether the preferred stock will rank senior or junior to or on a parity with any other class or series of preferred stock; o whether or not and on what terms the shares of the series will be subject to redemption or repurchase at our option; o whether and on what terms the shares of the series will be convertible into or exchangeable for other securities; o the provision of a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred stock; o whether the shares of the series of preferred stock will be listed on a securities exchange; o any special United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the series; and o the other rights and privileges and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the rights or privileges of the series. Dividends Holders of shares of preferred stock shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by our board of directors out of our funds legally available therefor, an annual cash dividend payable at the dates and at the rates, if any, per share per annum as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, each series of preferred stock will rank junior as to dividends to any preferred stock that may be issued in the future that is expressly senior as to dividends to that preferred stock. If we should fail at any time to pay accrued dividends on any senior shares at the time the dividends are payable, we may not pay any dividend on the junior preferred stock or redeem or otherwise repurchase shares of junior preferred stock until the accumulated but unpaid dividends on the senior shares have been paid or set aside for payment in full by us. -17- Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, no dividends (other than in common stock or other capital stock ranking junior to the preferred stock of any series as to dividends and upon liquidation) may be declared or paid or set aside for payment, nor may any other distribution be declared or made upon the common stock, or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of that series as to dividends, nor may any common stock or any of our other capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the preferred stock of that series as to dividends be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any shares of any of that stock) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for other capital stock of ours ranking junior to the preferred stock of that series as to dividends) unless: o if that series of preferred stock has a cumulative dividend, full cumulative dividends on the preferred stock of that series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period; and o if such series of preferred stock does not have a cumulative dividend, full dividends on the preferred stock of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current dividend period. However, any monies deposited in any sinking fund with respect to any preferred stock in compliance with the provisions of the sinking fund may be applied to the purchase or redemption of that preferred stock in accordance with the terms of the sinking fund, regardless of whether at the time of the application full dividends, including cumulative dividends, upon shares of the preferred stock outstanding on the last dividend payment date have been paid or declared and set apart for payment. In addition, any junior or parity preferred stock or common stock may be converted into or exchanged for our stock ranking junior to the preferred stock as to dividends. The amount of dividends payable for the initial dividend period or any period shorter than a full dividend period shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Accrued but unpaid dividends will not bear interest, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Redemption All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into shares of common stock or into shares of any other series of preferred stock to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Liquidation Rights Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of each series of preferred stock are entitled to receive out of our assets available for distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of (i) any other shares of preferred stock ranking junior to that series of preferred stock as to rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and (ii) shares of common stock, liquidating distributions per share in the amount of the liquidation preference specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for that series of preferred stock plus any dividends accrued and accumulated but unpaid to the date of final distribution. However, the holders of each series of preferred stock will not be entitled to receive the liquidating distribution of, plus such dividends on, those shares until the liquidation preference of any shares of our capital stock ranking senior to that series of the preferred stock as to the rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up shall have been paid (or a sum set aside therefor sufficient to provide for payment) in full. If upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the amounts payable with respect to the preferred stock, and any other preferred stock ranking as to any distribution on a parity with the preferred stock are not paid in full, -18- then the holders of the preferred stock and the other parity preferred stock will share ratably in any distribution of assets in proportion to the full respective preferential amount to which they are entitled. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement for a series of preferred stock, after payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of shares of preferred stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of our assets. Neither a consolidation or merger of us with another corporation nor a sale of securities shall be considered a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us. Voting Rights The holders of each series or class of preferred stock we may issue will have no voting rights, except as required by law and as described below or in the applicable prospectus supplement. Our board of directors may, upon issuance of a series or class of preferred stock, grant voting rights to the holders of that series or class to elect additional board members if we fail to pay dividends in a timely fashion. Without the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of any class of preferred stock then outstanding, we may not: o increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of that class; o increase or decrease the par value of the shares of that class; or o alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of that class so as to affect them adversely. If the amendment would adversely alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more series of a class of preferred stock, but not the entire class, then only the shares of the affected series will have the right to vote on the amendment. Miscellaneous The holders of our preferred stock will have no preemptive rights. All shares of preferred stock being offered by the applicable prospectus supplement will be fully paid and not liable to further calls or assessment by us. If we should redeem or otherwise reacquire shares of our preferred stock, then these shares will resume the status of authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock undesignated as to series, and will be available for subsequent issuance. There are no restrictions on repurchase or redemption of the preferred stock while there is any arrearage on sinking fund installments except as may be set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement. Payment of dividends on any series of preferred stock may be restricted by loan agreements, indentures and other transactions entered into by us. Any material contractual restrictions on dividend payments will be described or incorporated by reference in the applicable prospectus supplement. When we offer to sell a series of preferred stock, we will describe the specific terms of the series in the applicable prospectus supplement. If any particular terms of a series of preferred stock described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the terms described in this prospectus, then the terms described in the applicable prospectus supplement will be deemed to supersede the terms described in this prospectus. No Other Rights The shares of a series of preferred stock will not have any preferences, voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights except as set forth above or in the applicable prospectus supplement, our charter or the applicable certificate of designation or as otherwise required by law. Transfer Agent The transfer agent and registrar for each series of preferred stock will be designated in the applicable prospectus supplement. -19- DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS We may issue, either separately or together with other securities, warrants for the purchase of any of the other types of securities that we may sell under this prospectus. The warrants will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all to be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to any or all warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered. Copies of the form of agreement for each warrant, which we refer to collectively as "warrant agreements," including the forms of certificates representing the warrants, which we refer to collectively as "warrant certificates" and reflecting the provisions to be included in such agreements that will be entered into with respect to the particular offerings of each type of warrant, have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or as exhibits to documents which have been or will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the warrants to which any prospectus supplement may relate and the extent, if any, to which the general provisions may apply to the warrants so offered will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The following summary of certain provisions of the warrants, warrant agreements and warrant certificates does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by express reference to, all the provisions of the warrant agreements and warrant certificates, including the definitions therein of certain terms. General The prospectus supplement shall set forth the terms of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered as well as the related warrant agreement and warrant certificates, including the following, where applicable: o the principal amount of, or the number of securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon exercise of each warrant and the initial price at which the principal amount or number of securities, as the case may be, may be purchased upon such exercise; o the designation and terms of the securities, if other than common stock, purchasable upon exercise thereof and of any securities, if other than common stock, with which the warrants are issued; o the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of the warrants; o the date, if any, on and after which the warrants, and any securities with which the warrants are issued, will be separately transferable; o the offering price of the warrants, if any; o the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which that right will expire; o a discussion of any material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the exercise of the warrants; o whether the warrants represented by the warrant certificates will be issued in registered or bearer form, and, if registered, where they may be transferred and registered; o call provisions of the warrants, if any; o antidilution provisions of the warrants, if any; and -20- o any other material terms of the warrants. Exercise of Warrants Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash that principal amount of or number of securities, as the case may be, at the exercise price set forth in, or to be determined as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement at any time up to 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will become void. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed, we will, as soon as practicable, issue the securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrant. If less than all of the warrants represented by the warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants. No Rights of Security Holder Prior to Exercise Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon then exercise of the warrants, and will not be entitled to: o in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, payments of principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise; or o in the case of warrants to purchase equity securities, the right to vote or to receive dividend payments or similar distributions on the securities purchasable upon exercise. Exchange of Warrant Certificates Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS We may issue rights for the purchase of shares of preferred stock or common stock. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement between us and a bank or trust company, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of rights. The bank or trust company will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. The rights agreement and the rights certificates relating to each series of rights have been or will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part or as exhibits to documents which have been or will be incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the rights to be issued, including the following where applicable: o the date for determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution; o the aggregate number of shares of preferred stock or common stock purchasable upon exercise of such rights and the exercise price; o the aggregate number of rights being issued; o the date, if any, on and after which such rights may be transferable separately; -21- o the date on which the right to exercise such rights shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire; o any special United States federal income tax consequences; and o any other terms of such rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of such rights. DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS We may issue, from time to time, purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us and us to sell to the holders, a specified principal amount of debt securities or a specified number of shares of common stock or preferred stock or any of the other securities that we may sell under this prospectus at a future date or dates. The consideration payable upon settlement of the purchase contracts may be fixed at the time the purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by a specific reference to a formula set forth in the purchase contracts. The purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a purchase contract and other securities or obligations issued by us or third parties, including United States treasury securities, securing the holders' obligations to purchase the relevant securities under the purchase contracts. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase contracts or units or vice versa, and the payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under the purchase contracts. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any purchase contracts. The description in the prospectus supplement will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the purchase contracts, and, if applicable, collateral arrangements and depositary arrangements, relating to the purchase contracts. DESCRIPTION OF UNITS We may, from time to time, issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities that may be offered under this prospectus, in any combination. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The unit agreement under which a unit is issued may provide that the securities included in the unit may not be held or transferred separately at any time, or at any time before a specified date. Any applicable prospectus supplement will describe: o the material terms of the units and of the securities comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances those securities may be held or transferred separately; o any material provisions relating to the issuance, payment, settlement, transfer or exchange of the units or of the securities comprising the units; and o any material provisions of the governing unit agreement that differ from those described above. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION We may sell the debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, warrants, rights, purchase contracts or units (together referred to as the "offered securities") through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers or investors, through agents, or through a combination of these methods. This prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the terms of the offering of any offered securities, including: o the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents; -22- o the price of the offered securities and the net proceeds to us from such sale; o any over-allotment options under which underwriters may purchase additional securities from us; o any underwriting commissions or other items constituting underwriters' compensation; o any initial public offering price; and o any securities exchanges on which such securities may be listed. If underwriters are used in the sale, the offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The offered securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by one or more investment banking firms or others, as designated. Unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters or agents to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if any are purchased. Any initial public offering price and any underwriting commissions or other items constituting underwriters' compensation may be changed from time to time. If a dealer is utilized in the sale of any offered securities, we will sell those offered securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the offered securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale. We may sell offered securities directly to one or more purchasers or investors, or through agents at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at varying prices determined at time of sale. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. If an applicable prospectus supplement indicates, we will authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain specified institutions to purchase offered securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement under delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. These contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of the contracts. Under agreements entered into with us, agents and underwriters who participate in the distribution of the offered securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents or underwriters may be required to make. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business. LEGAL MATTERS The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon by Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, 1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10104. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements of Terex Corporation and PPM Cranes, Inc. as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000 incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Terex Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2000 have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. -23- WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. You may read and copy such material at the Public Reference Room maintained by the SEC at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the operation of the Public Reference Room. You can also find our SEC filings at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, you may inspect our SEC filings at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we will make with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: 1. Annual Report on Form 10 K for the year ended December 31, 2000; 2. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended March 31, 2001; 3. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended June 30, 2001; 4. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2001; 5. The Company's Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement dated April 2, 2001; 6. Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 14, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2001; 7. Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 23, 2001; 8. Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 27, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2001; 9. Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 1, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2001; 10. Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 6, 2001; 11. Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 11, 2001; 12. Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 19, 2001 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2001; and 13. The description of the Common Stock contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated February 22, 1991, including any amendment or report filed with the Commission for the purpose of updating such description. This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC relating to the securities. As permitted by SEC rules, this prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement -24- and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You may refer to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules for more information about us and our securities. The registration statement and exhibits and schedules are also available at the SEC's Public Reference Room or through its web site. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by written request or by telephone at the following address: Terex Corporation 500 Post Road East Westport, Connecticut 06880 (203) 222-7170 Attn: Secretary You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not rely on any other representations. Our affairs may change after this prospectus or any supplement is distributed. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. You should read all information supplementing this prospectus.